Central Empowered Committee writes to Karnataka Chief Secretary, flags violations in mining auctions

Bengaluru: The Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has written to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, stating that the methods adopted to auction C-category (illegal) mines were in direct violation of the Supreme Court orders.

The violations include arbitrary changes in the boundary of mining lease and adding 200 acres of virgin forest area to four different blocks without the concurrence of the court.

The CEC's letter, reviewed by DH, comes in the wake of the government's move to stitch up new mining boundaries in the name of viability. Category A (legal), B (partly illegal) and C mines have been stitched up with virgin forest areas and expired mining leases in direct violation of the court orders and CEC directions.

DH had earlier reported that the CEC had earlier flagged the matter with the forest department and the Union environment ministry, related to two proposals in Sandur of Ballari.

The letter to the Chief Secretary listed various violations in the government's move to create new boundaries for Vyasanakere block (1,001.76 acres), Jaisinghpura south block (734.84 acres), Jainsghpura north block (737.83 acres) and Somanahalli block (469.82 acres).

"The blocks are auctioned in violation of the Hon'ble (Supreme) Court orders. The legal regime of treatment of C-category mines is different from A, B and virgin forest lands. Some part/s (area) of the C-category mines have been left out and not included in the auctioned blocks. The left out parts will thus be left without rehabilitation and reclamation. Such left out parts will not be rehabilitated in future also," it said.

Rehabilitation and reclamation has been pending in the mining-hit areas since 2013.

Following the investigation into the illegal mining scam, the Supreme Court ordered that a total of 51 mines belonging to C-category should be cancelled. The court later ordered a joint survey to fix the boundaries of such illegal mines and directed the government to ensure their reclamation and rehabilitation.

Interestingly, the apex court had sought a comprehensive report on the C-category mines. In 2017, Karnataka withdrew a status report on C-category mines submitted before the court.

As far back as 2018, the CEC categorically told the Director, Mines and Geology not to alter the boundaries. "Non-viable Category C mining leases cannot be considered for e-auction by modification of their boundaries," it stated.

Mines and Geology Department Director Girish R could not be reached for a comment.

Pa Ya Ganesh, a Hosapete-based leader and state president of SC/ST wing of Karnataka Rashtra Samiti, said the amalgamation has been done to benefit the big companies.

"The blatant disregard to apex court rules shows that the government is trying to help big mining companies to corner all the natural resources. By edging out competition, they are creating a situation where the corporates dictate policy," he said.